Page 101 of Tequila Haze

Chapter Twenty-seven

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Hudson stayed withme for six days before he had to return to Nashville. Six of the best days of my life. It’s the longest period of time we’ve been together in one stint and it did wonders to calm some of the doubts I had about him leaving on tour.

As much as I didn’t want him to leave, he flew out yesterday, having to meet Colton who had worked with the label to line up a few promotional things to help get Hudson’s name out there even more.

Yesterday he made a stop at the local children’s hospital. Colton sent me video of him playing for some of the sick kids and I swear it was the sweetest, most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever witnessed.

Today he did a two song performance on a nationally televised morning news program. I watched with nervous butterflies flapping around in my belly like full grown birds. He did amazing, just like I knew he would.

He’s supposed to be flying back in tomorrow morning, though he has yet to send me his flight details so I don’t know when I’m picking him up.

I do know that once he’s back, he’s staying for three solid weeks before he has to be anywhere. His manager worked out a small break for him which we are both extremely grateful for.

Pulling into my assigned parking spot in the garage below my building, I kill the engine and use the key fob to pop the trunk.

It’s late and even though I had a long day at work, I need to be stocked up on groceries for when Hudson returns. Considering I fed him mainly peanut butter and jelly and boxed macaroni and cheese the last few days he was here, I figured it may be a good idea to expand my options a little.

I climb from the driver’s seat and have just rounded the back of the car when I hear footsteps behind me.

Turning, I jump slightly when I come face to face with Gage who has clearly been waiting on me to come home.

“Gage.” I grip my chest, my heart beating a million miles a minute. “You scared the shit out of me,” I say, shaking my head at him. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I needed to see you.” His words slur slightly.

Not this again...

“Now’s not a good time, Gage. It’s late.” Turning, I reach into the trunk to grab the bags when his hand closes down on my shoulder.

“Well make it a good time, Lennon,” he bites.

“Seriously.” I throw my hands up, abandoning my groceries for a moment as I turn back toward him. “Why do you keep doing this? Why are you here?”

“I told you, I needed to see you.”

“Well now you have. You go now.”

“Don’t be a smart ass, Lennon.” He takes a step toward me. “I’ve been thinking a lot over the last few days. Seeing you a couple weeks ago made me realize how miserable I am without you. I need you back, Lennon.”

I bite back a laugh, not even trying to hide how hilarious I find his statement.

“I’m seeing someone. You already know this,” I say, not sure if this will play as a deterrent or simply fuel his fire.

“Ah, yes. The country star.” He rolls his eyes. “Do you really think that’s going to last? How long until he’s bored? How long until the draw of fame and women pull him away? You can’t seriously be stupid enough to believe this has any chance of lasting.”

“You have no idea what Hudson and I share. You know nothing.”

“I know the type, Lennon.”

“Yeah, so do I.” I glare daggers at him. “And Hudson isnotlike you.”

“Like me?” He sways a little and I can’t help but wonder how much he’s had to drink tonight.

“Let’s not forget who the cheater is here, Gage.”

“I get it. I hurt you. But that doesn’t mean hewon’thurt you too. How much do you really know about this guy?”

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